In one of my earliest short stories, titled Me, Jason, the Beautiful One, the title character states that music has always been his “one true ally in life.” When I first wrote those words I thought it was just the character talking. Now, almost two decades later, it’s very clear that Jason could have been speaking for me just as easily as I was writing for him. I’ve often described writing books as my way of participating in an ancient and ongoing dialogue between creative sensibilities passionate about what it means to be part of this adventure called life. I like to think that a good bit of the words I contribute to that dialogue are infused with a kind of music. And that this music affords me a place somewhere near the crystal-like ripples of the presence of those whose voices and talents as guitarists, pianists, saxophonists, percussionists, and other startling souls feed the world with their sonic brilliance. I know I share some worthy kinship through the song lyrics I write and as well, perhaps, through certain poems. But none of that, as grateful as I am to claim it, rises quite enough to the level of those who first inhale the whirlwind complexities of existence and then exhale the sublime flow of beauty we call music. SONIC DELIGHTS is not only about presenting reviews of exceptional recordings and musicians that capture my attention and refuse to let it go. It is about expressing gratitude for the persistent presence of music itself. Century after century it has remained an unwavering force of creative splendor in a world where chaos and destruction boom louder and louder, it seems, nearly every day.

--Aberjhani

In a way, I have already done with my novel, Christmas When Music Almost Killed the World, in fiction what I am now doing with SONIC DELIGHTS. It seems therefore appropriate jumpstart blog with a an excerpt from CHRISTMAS. This is a song sung by the character Ruzahn and called “The Healing Time.”

THE HEALING TIME Seven long years, all struggle, no gain, sun comin’ up brought nothin’ but pain. Grief for my father, tears for my mother, too heartbroken to help one another. Then came the healing time, hearts started to shine, soul felt so fine, oh what a freeing time it was. Life was such an enemy, no kind of friend, night time caught me screamin’ time and time again. Screaming for my heart, screaming for my soul, too torn apart to make myself whole. Then came the healing time, oh my heart did shine, soul felt so fine, oh what a freeing time it was. by Aberjhani